Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will:

under the supervision/direction of registered health care professionals/associate practitioner, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks, seek support as and when necessary, in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, psychological and physical care to a defined group of people.

as part of a healthcare team, provide the highest standards of safe and compassionate planned care to people that maximises their recovery and rehabilitation potential.

develop and maintain meaningful therapeutic relationships with people. Adopt a polite, positive and empathetic approach, communicating effectively and informatively.

demonstrate an understanding of the care and treatment programmes required for a designated group of service users.

To instruct, advise & guide service users, family and carers in therapeutic interventions and make the appropriate adjustments independently (within own competence and skill set) and be able to communicate any changes to service users and registered health care professionals.

be required to concentrate for periods of time, depending upon the care intervention/care plan This may include areas of work requiring physical effort, with regard to risk, health & safety.

exercise a degree of independence, initiative and judgement and consider different approaches when delivering tasks. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems, within own competence and skill set.

ensure the care experienced is positive and service user safety is maintained. Treat everyone eg, service users, their relatives, visitors, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

contribute to the care planning process. Understand the principles underlying care planning eg, enabling the service user to reach an optimum level of functioning/ independence/recovery.

implement care within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans. Organise a range of activities eg, facilitate meaningful activities for individuals or small groups.

apply knowledge of longer term health conditions eg, Diabetes, Obesity, smoking cessation etc, providing advice and support.

Undertake the physical aspects of care eg, moving and handling of service users. Use items of equipment in delivering care eg, hoists, wheelchairs etc. (as appropriate to the role), ensuring appropriate instruction on their use has been received.

assist in dealing with verbal/physical aggression using de-escalation techniques, this may include the need for restraint and/or seclusion (as appropriate to the role and in line with Trust policy and training)

attend to the service users personal care needs as and when required.

participate in a flexible rostering arrangement providing 24-hour/7 day care (as appropriate to the role/service)

KEY RESULT AREAS:

1.1 Care provision:

To deliver excellent levels of customer services to people.

Work with a degree of independence within defined parameters, as directed by a registered health care professional (or associate practitioner if part of the team).

Prioritise own tasks, exercising initiative and judgement in response to peoples needs. Refer and seek guidance/supervision on issues outside of post holders level of competency or authority to more senior health care professionals.

Contribute to the initial assessment/admission/discharge process and formulation/implementation of individualised packages of care to help maximise service user recovery/rehabilitation potential.

Act as a link or associate link for a specific area of practice (as appropriate).

Clearly, accurately and contemporaneously, contribute to care documents, report observations and other service user information, in written and electronic format. Demonstrate competent IT skills, accurate data inputting and use of the internet.

Accurately record therapeutic observations relevant to the desinated profession Identify potential risks and respond appropriately.

Contribute to ensuring service user needs are met eg, emotional, personal, basic wound care, dietary, environmental etc, ensuring their privacy, dignity, rights and choices are maintained at all times. Support individuals to self-manage their own health and social wellbeing and promote individuals positive self-esteem and sense of identity.

Participate in the management and support of individuals who exhibit challenging behaviour or present a significant imminent risk to themselves or others. Recognise and respond to changes in their presentation, including reporting the issue to a registered health care practitioner/associate practitioner as required. Respond appropriately to any emergency situation.

Participate in supportive observation/interventions minimising the negative effects of disruptive/abusive behaviour, or in the prevention and management of violence and aggression (PMVA) (as appropriate). Utilise de-escalation and physical control techniques as necessary. Taking reasonable steps to protect themselves from the risk of violence.

If appropriate to the role, when directed and risk assessed by a health care practitioner, accompany/escort service users within/outside Trust grounds. Apply care principles to enable service user to meet maximum level of independence.

Ensure action to reduce risks to health and safety and all possible steps are taken in identifying, managing and reporting risks, to help safeguard the welfare, safety and security of people, eg, children, service users, visitors and staff. Contribute to the reduction of hazards in the environment, considering safety, security, theft or damage.

Use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Adapt style of communication to respond to service user communication difficulties and psychological, social, physical and spiritual needs.

Work with sensitivity and an understanding of the issues experienced by service users.

Ensure moving and handling of people/loads is carried out in a safe and effective manner, in accordance with policy and training, as directed by a registered health care professional/associate practitioner.

Work in a flexible and collaborative manner with others. Adapting to the needs of the service, despite many demands on attention.

Understand the roles and contributions of other care providers in and outside of the team, enabling those who are significant to the service user to play an active role in their care.

Support the Trusts culture of commitment to delivering quality services and outcomes.

Maintain and continuously improve knowledge & understanding of health & social care services; including systems, policy, and current issues, particularly with regard to own area of work and service users.

Make use of opportunities for sharing good practice and learning.

Proactively identify additional activities in accordance with the role, which would increase post holder efficiency and the efficiency of the team; offer suggestions for improvement and implement these activities in agreement with the team.

Undertake any additional duties deemed appropriate to the role.

Work within other clinical areas as the clinical situation and staffing levels require.

As part of a team, deliver person centred care whilst meeting the service standards and objectives.

Provide and receive service user information using tact, reassurance, empathy and persuasive skills as required.

Participate in ward or departmental/team meetings and offer suggestions for quality improvement.

Contribute to, and make suggestions about projects, including audit and quality initiatives pertinent to the role.

Contribute to the achievement/improvement of service/quality standards.

Be competent in using and ensure the proper use of equipment eg, hoists, wheelchairs, Trust materials, equipment, property and resources.

Actively engage in good team working to facilitate effective relationships with all health care professionals.

Participate in clinical supervision to develop skills and knowledge of clinical care and practice and apply continuous reflection on own practice.

Undertake timely and appropriate mandatory training, study days, in-service training programmes and keep up to date with changes in operational procedures and developments in clinical practice.

Seek advice and support from your line manager, registered health care professional (or associate practitioner) whenever necessary.

Develop knowledge and basic understanding of and comply with all service/Trust policies and procedures and relevant legislation eg, Mental Health Act 2007, Childrens Act etc.

Responsible for ensuring safe infection prevention and control by usingl protective equipment, safe disposal of healthcare waste, performing hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfecting etc.

Promote a positive image of the Service/Trust.

Actively participate in the appraisal process using it as a positive means of improving self-awareness, development and work practice.

Act within own sphere of competence at all times as determined by the job description and skills set for the role.

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Responsive attitude and approach.
• Dress appropriately for the environment.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Level 3 Apprenticeship/Diploma in Health & Social Care or equivalent relevant to the post.
• Or, Level 2 Apprenticeship/Diploma in health and social care with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3 and a willingness to
• work towards achieving Level 3 qualification.
• Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post).

Desirable

• Experience of the speciality area.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• As appropriate to the role:
• Demonstrates excellent customer care skills.
• Enthusiastic, able to work flexibly to meet the needs of service users (where appropriate to the role).
• Demonstrates safe decision making skills commensurate with role.
• Excellent communicator, numeracy and literacy skills level 3 and good IT/keyboard skills.
• Diversity/Cultural understanding.
• Knows responsibilities regarding confidentiality and trust.
• Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids, etc.
• Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
• Demonstrates Trust Values.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good administration and organisational skills.
• Able to use observation skills to identify potential services user, environmental etc. risks and act appropriately.
• Able to fulfil the requirements of the value based induction.

Desirable

• Language skills other than English.
• Experience of supervising/inducting others.

Training

Essential

• Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
• Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of service user safety, eg, Prevention & management of violence & aggression, moving and handling, etc.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• A satisfactory sickness record over previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
• Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Experience

Essential

• In providing care and/ or health based interventions for those with health/social needs(where appropriate to the role).
• In working in a caring environment at a band 2 or equivalent level of competence.
• In dealing with the public.
• In working as an effective team member.
• Of demonstrating own duties.
• Ability to work effectively, professionally and independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• In demonstrating initiative, decision-making and prioritisation skills.
• Evidence of a commitment to user/carer involvement.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD

Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)